8th Descent of the Sella
A landmark innovation appeared in 1945: the “Fluvial Train”. Due to fuel shortages and lack of vehicles, organizers used the rail line running alongside the Sella to give spectators a prime view of the race—becoming an iconic feature of the event.
The race was held on August 11 with 6 teams: Gijón, Infiesto, Arriondas, Villamayor, Santander, and Ribadesella. A total of 21 canoes started, 18 made it to the water, and 15 finished.
At the finish in Ribadesella, the Arriondas Pigeon Club (La Parraguesa) released 100 doves, adding a special celebratory touch.
In sporting results, Armando Menéndez and Juan Palacios from Gijón won with their canoe “Orbayu”, clocking 2 hours and 15 minutes. The team victory went to Santander, which placed two canoes among the top three: “River Sand” and “Sanghai”. For context, a Canadian-style canoe of the era weighed 45 kg.
tag: international descent of the river sella 1945
